Control circuit for sorting system

ABSTRACT

A control circuit for a high speed copier sorting system having a plurality of sheet conveyors each having an associated motor drive for driving a predetermined one of the sheet conveyors for transporting sheets along a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with a predetermined control logic. A jam detection circuit times signals received and is coupled to the motor drive to de-energize same in the event of a jam condition. A first circuit for supplying signals to the jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets along the conveyor path. A second circuit for supplying signals to the jam detection circuit indicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path and entering a predetermined tray. A third circuit for counting reference signals representative of the number of copies produced by a copier. A fourth circuit for counting signals of the second circuit. A fifth circuit for comparing counts of the third circuit and fourth circuit and supply a reset signal to the fourth circuit during normal sorting. In addition, the fourth circuit is coupled to the jam detection circuit to indicate a jam in the absence of a reset signal.

United States Patent 1 Acquaviva, Jr. 1 Jan. 9, 1973 [54] CONTROLCIRCUIT FOR SORTING [57] ABSTRACT SYSTEM A control circuit for a highspeed copier sorting [75] Inventor: Thomas J. Acquaviva, Jr., Penfield,system having a plurality of sheet conveyors each hav- N.Y. ing anassociated motor drive for driving a predetermined one of the sheetconveyors for transporting [73] Asslgneei21 Corporation, Stamford Sheetsalong a predetermined path past trays into which the sheets aredistributed in accordance with a Filed: y 24, 1971 predetermined controllogic. A jam detection circuit [21] APPL No; 146,329 times signalsreceived and is coupled to the motor drive to tie-energize same in theevent of a am condition. A first circuit for supplying signals to thejam de- U-S- Cltection circuit indicative of the Ura sit of sheets alongCl. t ..B65h the conveyor path A second ircuit for upplying Flew ofSearch 271/64, 57; 270/58 56; signals to the jam detection circuitindicative of the 340/259 transit of sheets leaving the conveyor pathand entering a predetermined tray. A third circuit for counting [56]References C'ted reference signals representative of the number of co-UNITED STATES PATENTS pies produced by a copier. fourth circuit forcountlng signals of the second circuit. A fifth circuit for 3,347,367/1967 Smith ..27l/64 X comparing counts of the third circuit and fourthcir- 3,6l8,936 ll/l97l Ziehm ..27l/64 Primary Examiner-Allen N. KnowlesAttorney-James J. Ralabate, Donald F. Daley and Melvin A. Klein cuit andsupply a reset signal to the fourth circuit during normal sorting. Inaddition, the fourth circuit is coupled to the jam detection circuit toindicate a jam in the absence of a reset signal.

7 Claims, Drawing Figures JAM DETECTION CIRCUIT (FIG. IO)

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7 MODE SELECTOR CIRCUIT 1 PATENTEUJAH 9mm sum OlflF 10 INVENTOR. THOMASJ. ACQUAVIVA JR.

BY MA ATTORNEY PATENTEDJMI 9|B73 3,709,485

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SHEET 08 0F 10 JAM DETECTION l CIRCUIT (FIG. IO) I I SOLENOID SOLENOID.m MATRIX MATRIX DRIVER DRIVER CIRCUIT I CIRCUIT MOTOR DECODEFJ DECODER353 CII)RIVET ass ass CQMPARISON COMPARIS i CIRCUIT CIRCUIT 5 337 sa/SORTER (A f K SORTER 3/3 COUNTER COUNTER PROCESSOR COUNTER MOTOR 00 k2?LOGIC XX CIRCUIT MODE A 30/ SELECTOR Y CIRCUIT 2 FIG. 8

PATENTEBJM 9191s 3.709.485

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CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SORTING SYSTEM This invention relates to apparatusfor sorting documents and more particularly to a control circuit for ahigh speed modular apparatus for sorting documents.

Sorters for copying machines are of several types. One type shifts copyreceiving trays relative to a fixed sheet feed path as described, forexample, in U. S. Pat. No. 3,356,362. Another type feeds copy sheets toa plurality of modular assemblies in a serial fashion as described, forexample, in U. S. Pat. No. 3,484,l01. With the advent of high speedcopier machines where sheet jams may become more frequent, it isdesirable to control the routing of the copy sheet material and tofacilitate the detection of sheet jams both along the transport path andin the vicinity of the trays. Heretofore, control circuits were such asto detect certain jam conditions but not altogether satisfactory inensuring detection under various conditions.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to improve thesorting of sheet material.

It is another object of the present invention to improve jam detectionof sheets supplied to high spedd sorting apparatus. j

It is a further object of the present invention to enable jam detectionof sheet material in the transport path as well as in the vicinity ofthe trays. i

It is a further object of the present invention to int rrogate acounting sheet system for jam detection. 1

These objects as well as others will become more apparent uponconsidering the following description which is to be read in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a copying machine incorporating asorting apparatus according to the present invention; j

FIG. 1(a) is a view of the control panel of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the exterior of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a front sectional view of the sorting apparatus;

FIG. 3(a) is a front view of the sorting apparatus with cover openillustrating certain details of the latch assembly.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the drive mechanism of the sortingapparatus;

FIGS. 5 and 6 are end and front sectional views of.

the trays and stacking control apparatus;

FIGS. 7(a) through 7(d) are front views illustrating sequentialoperation of the stacking control apparatus;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the control circuitry for the sortingapparatus;

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of the motor circuit of the controlcircuitry; and

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of the jam detection circuitry.

GENERAL For a general understanding of reproduction apparatus with whichthe present invention may be incorporated, reference is made to FIG. 1wherein various components of a typical electrostatic printer system areillustrated. It should be understood, however, that any type of printersystem could be used with the present invention and not necessarily theprinter system described herein. The printer system is of thexerographic type and is generally designated with the reference numeral10. As in all xerographic systems, a light image of an original to bereproduced is projected onto the sensitized surface of a xerographicplate to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, the latentimage is developed with toner material to form a xerographic powderimage corresponding to the latent image on the plate surface. The powderimage is then electrostatically transferred to a record material such asa sheet or web of paper or the like to which it may be fused by a fusingdevice whereby the powder image is caused permanently to adhere to thesurface of the record material.

The xerographic processor indicated by the reference numeral 11 isarranged as a self-contained unit having all of its processing stationslocated in a unitary enclosure or cabinet. The printer system includesan exposure station at which a light radiation pattern of a document tobe reproduced is positioned on a glass platen 12 for projection onto aphotoconductive surface in the form of a xerographic belt 13.

Imaging light rays from the document as flash illuminated by lamps 18are projected by a first mirror 20 and a projection lens 21 and anothermirror 23 onto the belt 13 at the focal plane for the lens 21 at aposition indicated by the dotted line 25.

As an interface structure and for unobstructive optical projections, theside of the cabinet is formed with an enlarged rectangular opening topermit the projection of image light rays from the lens 21 to the mirror23. Similarly, the cabinet supporting the document plane is formed witha corresponding rectangular opening that mates with the opening in theprinter cabinet when the two cabinets are operatively joined togetherfor copy/duplicating purposes. Suitable light-type gaskets may beutilized adjacent the exterior of each opening in the cabinets in orderto minimize the leakage of unwanted extraneous light. The xerographicbelt 13 is mounted for movement around three parallel arranged rollers27 suitably mounted in the frame of processor 11. The belt may becontinuously driven by a suitable motor (not shown) and at anappropriate speed corresponding to the discharge responsive thephotoconductive material that comprises the belt and the intensity ofthe imaging light rays from the document. The exposure of the belt tothe imaging light rays from the document discharges the photoconductivelayer in the area struck by light whereby there remains on the belt anelectrostatic latent image of configuration corresponding to the lightimage projected from the document. As the belt continues its movement,the electrostatic latent image passes a developing station at whichthere is positioned a developer apparatus 29 for developing theelectrostatic latent image. After development, the powdered image ismoved to an image transfer station whereat record material or sheets ofpaper just previously separated from a stack of sheets 20 is heldagainst the surface of the belt to receive the developed powder imagetherefrom. The sheet is moved in synchronism with the movement of thebelt during transfer of the developed image. After transfer, the sheetof paper is conveyed to a fusing station where a fuser device 31 ispositioned to receive the sheet of paper for fusing the powder thereon.After fusing of the powder image, the sheet is conveyed through anopening in the cabinet to a sorting apparatus 32 for distributing intotrays or bins in a manner as will be described more fully hereinafter.The sheets are separated from the stack and fed from the top of thestack by means of a separator roll device 33 and timed sequence of themovement of the developed images on the belt 13.

Further details of the processing devices and stations in the printersystem are not necessary to understand the principles of the presentinvention. However, a detailed description of these processing stationsand components along with the other structures of the machine printerare disclosed in copending application Ser. Nos. 731,934, filed May 24,1968, and 756,598, filed Aug. 30, 1968, which are commonly assigned withthe present invention.

It will be appreciated that the printer system may be operated inconjunction with a roll converter unit indicated by the referencenumeral 35. The roll converter unit 35 is adapted to convert arelatively large roll of paper 36 into various sizes of sheets of paperby means of a cutter device 37 and a suitable control system (not shown)arranged to control cutting and feeding of the individual sheets intooperative cooperation is assured between the various units operatingwith the printer system by the physical association of the cabinets forthe units and the matching openings which enable full cooperation of theimaging light rays and sheet transport path between the units. In thisregard, locking clamps may be provided on all the units for preventingthe inadvertent movement of such units during use and interlocks whichis an alignment device may be utilized on each unit for ensuring upperalignment and to terminate or suspend operation in the eventmisalignment or separation of the units occur. For facility and needs ofoperation, each of the units provided with caster wheels and lockingbrakes thereby aiding in the movement of the units into and out ofcooperative engagement.

SORTING APPARATUS Referring now to FIGS. 2-6, sorting apparatus 32comprises a base frame 51 which supports upper and lower sortingassemblies 53, 55, respectively. Lower sorting assembly 55 includes aunitary framework 57 defining a series of bins or trays 59 which receivecopy sheets in a downward direction. Similarly, upper sorting assembly53 has a unitary framework 57 which defines a series of trays or bins 59for receiving copy sheets.

Sheets enter the sorting apparatus through an opening 61 formed in theframe of the lower sorting assembly 55. The sheets pass through guides63 to a pair of pinch rolls 65 and 67 which direct their travel to ahorizontal transport 69 which is made up of a plurality of horizontaldriving belts 71 which are above the sheet path and free wheelingrollers 73 positioned below the sheet path. Above rollers 73 are rollers74 which are positioned within belts 71 and are spring loaded downwardto ensure proper traction between the belts and sheets beingtransported. The sheets traveling on the horizontal belts are deflecteddownward into an appropriate tray by fingers or gates 76 actuated intothe sheet path by an associated solenoid in accordance with the controllogic. The control logic is triggered by the passage of a sheet from thehorizontal transport into a tray which causes the breaking of the lightbeam between a light source 78 and a photo-transistor 80. The breakingand then re-establishment of the light beam results in the open gateclosing and the next gate opening which continues until the last copy isreceived in the appropriate sorting assembly.

The upper sorting assembly 53 includes a transport made up of horizontalbelts 117 which moves above the sheet path and free wheeling rollers 119 positioned below the sheet path. Above rollers 119 are rollers 121which are positioned in belts 117 to ensure proper traction as in thecase of rollers 74. Fingers or gate members 123 serve to deflect thecopy sheets into the bins or trays when actuated by the control logicwhich includes a light source 125 and phototransistor 127.

To transport the copy sheets into the upper sorting assembly, there isprovided a vertical transport 129 made up of vertical belts 131 whichmoves against roll rs 133. The vertical transport 129 receives thesheets hen solenoid actuated sheet deflector 135 is positi ned so as todirect the sheet upwardly in accordance w'th control logic as will bedescribed hereinafter.

{Horizontal belts 71 are received and supported in a pivotable cover 137connected to the frame by one or mpre hinges 139. Similarly, horizontalbelts 117 are received in and supported by a pivotable cover 141 cnnected to the frame by one or more hinges 139. By this arrangement, ifa jam occurs within the transport p th, the belts 71 and 117 may beraised clear from the tr nsport path by pivotable movement of the covers1 7 and 141, respectively. Torsion springs 143 extend a] ng the lengthof covers 137 and 141 and serve to fa ilitate raising of the covers. Inthe event that a jam occurs in the vertical transport 129, a hingedcover 145 is rovided for easy access to the transport path. It will no wbe appreciated that if a jam occurs anywhere along the sheet path, thesheet may be cleared expeditiously by opening of the covers 137, 141 or145 to a displaced popition away from the sheet path sufficiently sothat an operators hand may be inserted and the jammed sheet removed fromthe sheet path. A latch assembly 147 including spring biased pins 149serves to maintain each of the covers 137 and 141 in a raised positionto prevent inadvertent closing on the hand of an operator. Handle 151operates to retract the spring biased pins for closing of the covers.

Sheets may be sorted by either the lower sorting assembly 55 or theupper sorting assembly 53 or both together for long runs. The lowersorting assembly includes a drive motor 153 which drives transport belts71 through a timing belt 155 (FIG. 4). Transport belts 71 drive gears157, 159 which, in turn, drive pinch rolls 67 through a timing belt 161which is mounted on a pulley 163 driving shaft 165 carrying the pinchrolls 67. It will be appreciated that by virtue of the flexibility ofbelt 161, that transport belts 71 which are housed in cover 137 may bepivoted away from and into the sheet path. A spring 169 connected to theframe and a link member 201 maintains proper belt tensioning duringoperating conditions. The pinch rolls 67 desirably are driven at a speedor rate slightly lower than the speed at which the belts 71 are movingso that the paper is pulled smoothly along its transport path ratherthan being pushed or jerked.

Upper sorting assembly 53 includes a drive motor 167 which drives thetransport belts 117 through a timing belt 209. Transport belts 117, inturn, drive transport belts 131 through a timing belt 211 mounted onpulleys 213 and 214 and a belt 203 which is mounted on pulleys 215 and216 which serve to drive shaft 217 drivingly connected to the belts 131.It will be appreciated that belt 203 is able to flex when belts 117 andcover 141 are raised above the sheet path. A spring 205 connected tolink 207 maintains proper belt tension for accomplishing the desireddrive operation. It will be noted that a shaft 219 which is at the lowerex tent of the transport belts 131 is drivingly connected .to a pinchroll 67 through an O-ring 221 which is received on a pulley 223 mountedon a shaft 225 which carries gear 227 which meshes with a gear 229mounted on a shaft 165.

The driving mechanism described above enables the vertical transport tobe driven by motor 167, and pinch rolls 67 to be driven through theupper or lower sorting assemblies by motors 153 and 167, respectively.To ac complish this operation, a pair of overrunning clutches 231 and233 are mounted on shaft 165. The shaft 165 may then be driven througheither the upper sorting as? sembly drive motor or the lower sortingassembly drive motor. It will now be appreciated that when clutch 231 isin driving relation that clutch 233 overruns and vice versa. By virtueof this driving arrangement, the pinch rolls 65 and 67 may be operatedto provide alternate sorting paths into the two sorting assemblies.Thus, in the event that drive motor 153 becomes inoperative, the pinchrolls are driven by drive motor 167 throug clutch 233. Furthermore, byvirtue of the flexibility 0 belts 161 and 203, the transport belts maybe moved out of the sheet path to remove sheet jams expediltiously.

STACKING CONTROL APPARATUS Associated with each of the trays 59 is astacking control apparatus 250 which serves to ensure that the sheetswhen received in a tray do not bounce to interirupt the light beam andassures proper stacking alignment of the sheets. The stacking controlapparatus comprises a roller assembly 251 which includes an X- shapedframe 253 with loop portions 255 engaging wire framework 57. Suspendedfrom X-shaped frame 253 is a roller member 257. It will be noted thatthe configuration of frame 253 is such that a crimped or offset portion259 is located in the vicinity of roller member 257 to enable sheets toenter tangentially to the roller. By this structure the sheetacceleration is controlled to prevent bouncing of the sheets off thetray bottom back into the light beam.

The sheets are aligned in the trays to form desirable stacks. Associatedwith roller assembly 251 is a plurality of hanging wire devices 265which serve to retard the velocity of an incoming sheet and furthercompress the top of the stack being formed in its tray. It will be notedthat pairs of hanging wire devices are suspended from framework 57symmetrically on each side of the sheet centerline. It will be furthernoted that each of the hanging wire devices has generally W-shapedportions 267 and loop portions 269 for free pivoting on the framework asthey are impacted by incoming sheets. By this structure, the top of astack fonned is compacted to assure clearance in the sheet path for thenext incoming'sheet. The hanging wire devices are easily mounted on theframework due to the cooperation between W-shaped portions 267 and loopportions 269 with the framework. It has been found that the hanging wiredevices which are made of a conductive metal contribute to thedissipation of static electricity normally imparted to the sheets beingtransported along their path.

SORTING APPARATUS CONTROL CIRCUIT A description of the control circuitryfor the sorting apparatus may best be understood in connection with thecontrol panel of FIG. 1a, the block diagram of FIG. 8, the motor drivecircuit of FIG. 9, and the jam detection circuit of FIG. 10. The mode ofoperation for the sorting apparatus is determined by pressing a one ofswitches S1, S2, or S3 on the control panel which then set a modeselector circuit 301 for upper sorting assembly 53, lower sortingassembly 55, or off condition, respectively. If S1 is closed an outputfrom mode selector circuitry 301 is supplied to a motor logic circuit303 which, in turn, supplies a signal 305 to a motor drive circuit 307for energizing motor 167. By closing switch S2, motor logic circuit 303supplies a signal 309 to motor drive circuit 307 which operates toenergize motor 153. 'FIG. 9 illustrates the motor drive circuit indetail. It will be noted that motor 153 has a triac Q1 and a powersource 311 connected across its terminals and that motor 167 also has atriac Q2 and power source 31 1 connected across its terminals. It willbe appreciated that a signal 309 serves to energize a relay Kl causingQ1 to conduct which then provides a conductive path for power source 311to cross motor 153. In similar fashion, signal 305 serves to energizerelay K2 which causes 02 to conductthereby enabling power to be placedacross the terminals of motor 167. It will be further noted that motorlogic circuit 303 provides a signal 313 to sheet deflector 135 at theentrance of the sorting apparatus to assure a sheet path consistent withthe motor drive circuit.

The sheets are transported along their selected path and enter a firsttray of the selected sorting assembly. Phototransistors and 127 detecteach sheet being deflected into its tray by fingers 76 and 123,respectively, and signal counters 315 and 317, respectively. Counters315 and 317 supply an input to decoders 319 and 321, respectively.Decoders 319 and 321 serve to energize the selected solenoid driver ofsolenoid driver circuits 323 and 325, respectively, which, in turn,energize the proper solenoid of the solenoid matrix 327 and 329,respectively.

At the same time, signals 330 from the processor which are taken fromthe pulsing of flash lamps 18 or any other suitable processor referencecount are received by a counter 332 and signals 331 supplied tocomparison circuits 333 and 335,. respectively. Comparison circuits 333and 335 also :receive signals from counters 315 and 317, respectively.If the counters of the processor and sorting assemblies agree, thenreset signals 337 and 339 are supplied to counters 315 and 317,respectively.

A jam detection system of the control circuitry of the sorting apparatusenables detecting different types of jams which may occur while thesheet is on a belt transport or upon entering a particular tray. A jamdetection circuit 345 (FIG. 10) serves to detect jams in the vicinity ofthe trays by timing the duration of signals 349 and 351 supplied byphototransistors 80 and 127, respectively. Jam detection circuit 345supplies a signal 347 to motor logic circuit 303 to de-energizewhichever motor is in operation at the time. if a jam occurs while thesheet is on the transport belts, then a timing signal 353 supplied froma sensor 355 (FIG. 3) located at the entrance of the sorting apparatusis received by the jam detection circuit 345 and compared with signals349 and 351. In this manner, jams are detected both during the transportof the sheets on the belts as well as in the vicinity of the trays asthey are deflected by the fingers associated therewith.

As a special jam detection feature for the sorting apparatus, counters315 and 317 are interrogated by jam detection circuit 345 at thecompletion of the run to ascertain if all sheets were actually receivedin the trays. By this arrangement if a last sheet has not been receiveda count will remain and as a result ajam signal 347 supplied to motorlogic circuit 303 for de-energizing the appropriate sorting assembly.

In operation, sheets entering the sorting apparatus pass sensor 355generating signal 353. With the sorting apparatus energized bydepressing S1 or S2 and a sheet arrives at the apparatus a signal 400 isproduced at the output of a gate 401 which is then inverted by a gate402. This signal causes a sharp pulse at the output of a pulse formingnetwork 403 which sets a flip-flop 408 to start a timer 410. Timer 410is preset for a predetermined time which is slightly greater than thetime it takes for the first sheet to enter the furthest bin in thesorting apparatus.

If a sheet breaks the light beam in the lower sorting assembly 55 of thesorting apparatus, phototransistor 80 produces signal 349 which isconverted into a pulse by a pulse forming network 404. The output ofnetwork 404 produces a pulse to reset flip-flop 408 which causes thetimer 410 to stop timing. Likewise if a sheet is directed to the uppersorting assembly 53, phototransistor 127 produces signal 351 which isconverted into a pulse by a pulse forming network 405. The output ofnetwork 405 produces a pulse which resets flip-flop 408 which causestimer 410 to stop timing. A gate 413 serves to direct initializing andreset pulses to the flip-flop 408.

If a sheet jams on either transport of the sorting assemblies, signals349 and 351 do not occur, and timer 410 will time out producing a pulseat gate 425. This generates a jam signal 347 at the output of gate 426which is supplied to the motor logic circuit 303 to stop the motors.

If a sheet jams in the vicinity of the trays, i.e., in the path of lightbeams from light sources 78 and 125, signal 349 or signal 351 iscontinuously present. This leaves a signal on a gate 417 which signals agate 418 to start timer 422. Timer 422 is set for a predetermined timewhich is greater than the time for a sheet to pass the light beam. Ifthe sheet jams, the timer 422 times out and a jam signal is produced ata gate 425 which causes the motors to stop.

A further method of jam detection is to interrogate the sheet counters315 and 317 at the completion of a run to ascertain if all sheets wereactually received in the trays. An interrogation circuit 429interrogates counters 315, 317. If a count remains in counters 315, 317there will be a signal at the output of a gate 429. When the processorcompletes a run, a signal 310 is supplied to one input of gate 430. Theoutput of gate 430 will signal gate 425 enabling a jam signal 347.

Another jam situation which may be detected is if the last sheet orsheets jam in the upper transport while sorting continues in the lowersorting assembly. This may happen, for example, if another copy runcommences prior to completing a previous copy run. When a sheet entersthe sorting apparatus, signal 400 is produced and is inverted by gate402 and supplied as an input to gate 432. If the sheet deflector isoperated, signal 313 will appear at other input gate 432 after beinginverted by a gate 433. The output from gate 432 is inverted by a gate435 and sets a flip-flop 437. Normally, at the completion of the run inthe upper sorting assembly 53, flip-flop 437 is reset by the eliveredcoincidence signals 337 or 339. If signals 337 or 339 do not occur dueto a jam in the upper sorting ssembly, and if the beam of the lowersorting assembly is broken by the first sheet of the next run, signal349 will be supplied as an input to a gate 439 which results i ajamsignal 347.

In order to enable location of a jam condition there re provided jamindicator lamps L1 and L2. If there is jam in the sorting apparatus andthe sheet deflector is 0t operated, or a count remains in counter 315,then a s'gnal 445 will appear at the input of a lamp driver circuit 450causing lamp L1 to be energized. Also, when a j m, or a count remains incounter 317 or the beam of t e upper sorting assembly is broken, thereis a signal to 1 mp driver circuit 451 causing lamp L2 to be energ zed.It should be understood that the jam detection c rcuit can be by-passedby activating the jam by-pass s itch S4 which energizes a relay K3.

While the invention has been described and illust ated herein aspreferred form of the invention, it will b} apparent to those skilled inthe art that changes and odifications may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the spirit and intent of the invention which is to belimited only to the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A control circuit for a sorting system comprising:

motor means for driving a conveyor transporting sheets along apredetermined path past trays into which the sheets are distributed inaccordance with a predetermined control logic,

a jam detection circuit for detecting sheet jam conditions, includingtiming means,

first circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuitindicative of the transit of sheets along the conveyor path and forsetting said timing means,

second circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detection circuitindicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor path andentering a predetermined tray and for resetting said timing means, saidjam detection circuit being coupled to said motor drive means andresponsive to signals supplied from said first and second circuit meansfor de-energizing said motor drive means in the event of a jamcondition,

third circuit means for counting reference signals representative of thenumber of copies produced by a copy processor,

fourth circuit means for counting signals of said second circuit means,

fifth circuit means for comparing counts of said third with said fourthcircuit means,

said fifth circuit means supplying a reset signal to said fourth circuitmeans during normal sorting operation,

said fourth circuit means being coupled to said jam detection circuit toindicate a jam condition in the absence of the reset signal.

2. The control circuit of claim 1 wherein said second circuit means setsother timing means of said jam detection circuit and then resets saidother timing means in the event of no jam. I

3. The control circuit according to claim 1 wherein said motor drivemeans includes at least two motors, at

least a one of said drive motors operating individually andconsecutively with another of said drive motors depending upon thelength of the sorting run.

4. The control circuit according to claim 3 wherein each of said drivemotors is associated with a sorting module.

5. The control circuit of claim 4 including sheet deflection meansassociated with. said modules for directing sheets to a predeterminedone of said modules for setting a memory device, said memory device alsoreceiving an input signal from said first eircuit means, said fifthcircuit further supplying a signal

1. A control circuit for a sorting system comprising: motor means fordriving a conveyor transporting sheets along a predetermined path pasttrays into which the sheets are distributed in accordance with apredetermined control logic, a jam detection circuit for detecting sheetjam conditions, including timing means, first circuit means forsupplying signals to said jam detection circuit indicative of thetransit of sheets along the conveyor path and for setting said timingmeans, second circuit means for supplying signals to said jam detectioncircuit indicative of the transit of sheets leaving the conveyor pathand entering a predetermined tray and for resetting said timing means,said jam detection circuit being coupled to said motor drive means andresponsive to signals supplied from said first and second circuit meansfor de-energizing said motor drive means in the event of a jamcondition, third circuit means for counting reference signalsrepresentative of the number of copies produced by a copy processor,fourth circuit means for counting signals of said second circuit means,fifth circuit means for comparing counts of said third with said fourthcircuit means, said fifth circuit means supplying a reset signal to saidfourth circuit means during normal sorting operation, said fourthcircuit means being coupled to said jam detection circuit to indicate ajam condition in the absence of the reset signal.
 2. The control circuitof claim 1 wherein said second circuit means sets other timing means ofsaid jam detection circuit and then resets said other timing means inthe event of no jam.
 3. The control circuit according to claim 1 whereinsaid motor drive means includes at least two motors, at least a one ofsaid drive motors operating individually and consecutively with anotherof said drive motors depending upon the length of the sorting run. 4.The control circuit according to claim 3 wherein each of said drivemotors is associated with a sorting module.
 5. The control circuit ofclaim 4 including sheet deflection means associated with said modulesfor directing sheets to a predetermined one of said modules for settinga memory device, said memory device also receiving an input signal fromsaid first circuit means, said fifth circuit further supplying a signalto reset said memory device.
 6. The control circuit according to claim 4wherein said jam detection circuit includes lamp means to identify themodule at which a jam occurs.
 7. The control circuit according to claim1 including by-pass switching means for by-passing said jam detectioncircuit.